About The Band
Victor Skidanenko - Banjo: Multi-instrumentalist and singer, Victor Skidanenko hails from San Jose CA. Know as one of the finest Banjo players on the West Coast, Victor adds a deep traditional dimension to the band. Singing heartfelt leads and soaring tenor, Victor is an integral part of our signature sound. The youngest member of the band, he has an old soul, steeped in the tradition of this uniquely American music. You might have seen him perform with Rock Ridge, Jenny Lynn and her Real Gone Daddies, Flash Crash & Thunder & The Central Valley Boys.
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Butch Waller - Mandolin: Butch was one of the first to play professional bluegrass in Northern California and formed the band High Country in 1968. His distinct mandolin playing, firmly grounded in the Monroe style, shines through strong bluesy downstrokes and vibrant tremolos. Butch sings lead and baritone in the group and is he has also recently released an album of waltzes on the Mandolin.
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Margaret Green - Fiddle: Originally from Palo Alto California, Margaret has played fiddle in numerous bands including Bluegrass, Country, and Rockabilly groups. She has also played Classical Violin in many chamber ensembles and orchestras. She is a also a professional music teacher. Margaret also sings leads and tenors in the band.
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Dave Gooding - Bass: Dave is originally from Bakersfield California, the "Big Apple" of the Central Valley. You have seen him perform with such bands as Donner Mountain, Borderline, Pacific Ocean Bluegrass, The Central Valley Boys and many others. Dave holds the rhythm down with his solid bass playing.
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Tom Diamant - Guitar: Born in New York and raised in Chicago as a kid Tom was drawn to the far away sounds of country music he could pick up at night on his AM radio. Learning to play guitar and being around the “folk revival” that unearthed many traditional musicians, he was able to see first hand many of the giants and originators of bluegrass and old time music. Coming to California in the late 1960’s he focused on being a record producer, radio D.J. (Panhandle Country on KPFA-FM), music archivist, and Bluegrass and Old Time musician. He plays guitar in the Thundering Heard and sings lead, tenor, and baritone.